Fitzwilliam Coningsby facts for kids
Fitzwilliam Coningsby (died August 1666) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1621 and again in 1640. He supported the Royalist side during the English Civil War.
Fitzwilliam Coningsby's Life Story
Coningsby was born at Hampton Court, Herefordshire. He was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Coningsby, a well-known soldier and politician. His mother was Phillipa Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam went to school at Hereford Cathedral School. In 1605, he became an important official in Leominster.
In 1621, Coningsby was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Herefordshire. This meant he represented the area in the government. When his father passed away in 1625, Fitzwilliam inherited Hampton Court. He also served as the High Sheriff of Herefordshire (a top law enforcement officer) in 1626-27 and again in 1642-43.
In November 1640, Coningsby was elected as an MP for Herefordshire once more. However, he was removed from Parliament in 1641. This happened because he was involved in business deals that gave him unfair advantages. He was one of the "Nine Worthies," a group of nine local leaders who supported King Charles I in Herefordshire in 1642.
Coningsby was the leader of Hereford when it was briefly captured by William Waller's forces in early 1643. Later, Barnabas Scudamore took over as the city's commander during the 1645 siege by Scottish forces. Coningsby fought for the King throughout the Civil War. In 1646, he was at the Siege of Worcester and disagreed with the Royalist commander's decision to give up the city.
After the war, Coningsby had to leave England. His lands were taken away, and his family, including his wife Cecily and their children, became quite poor. He and his family made many requests to get their property back. In 1653, he was still asking for help because his family was "starving." When King Charles II returned to the throne, Coningsby finally got his lands back. He passed away in 1666 and was buried on August 23, 1666, in Hope under Dinmore, Herefordshire.
Fitzwilliam Coningsby's Family Life
Fitzwilliam Coningsby married Cecily Nevill on July 12, 1617, in London. Cecily was the daughter of Henry Nevill, 9th Baron Bergavenny. She was known for her beauty and was painted by the artist John Hoskins. Fitzwilliam and Cecily had five children: Cecilia, Philippa, Humphrey, Thomas, and Henry. Their son, Humphrey Coningsby, later became a Member of Parliament like his father. Humphrey was also the father of Thomas Coningsby, 1st Earl Coningsby, who became a very important person.
